Monday, 3 March 2014

We Like To Read - A Lion in Paris

I have an extra special 'we like to read' today from one of my favourite bloggers! I know you will love her, over to you Lori! x

Hi, I'm Lori, mama of a boy called F, exploring the wilds of motherhood over on my blog Wild & Grizzly. I'm guest posting for the lovely Fritha today and sharing one of my good book reviews. I hope you like it. x

If you have visited my blog over the last month, you'll know that I've been a little bit in love with Paris. The architecture, the food, the art, ah the romance of it all. So on our return I couldn't resist buying F this good book to remind him of his adventures.

A Lion in Paris is one of those books that the moment you see it, you know you must have it. Its beautiful large format holds the stunning illustrations of multi-award winning author/illustrator Beatrice Alemagna. The story unfolds as a lonely lion, bored of his existence in the savannah, travels to Paris for a different pace of life. On reaching the city of light, the lion is disappointed as he blends into the blur of the Parisian backdrop, puzzled at the lack of stares or screams he roars out for attention in the metro only to be ignored. Feeling sad and alone he wanders the streets, visiting some of the iconic landmarks the city has to offer.

'When he went out into the street, it started to rain. That made him think of the his lovely sunny grasslands and he felt sad. He turned all grey and shiny like the roofs around him'

What was once grey and cold, he now finds full of light and beauty, bewitched by his new home he finds a place where he can stay and be admired forever.

Turning each page of this book is like discovering a new masterpiece, a montage of mediums coming together to create illustrations with depth and character. The muted tones and delicate drawings invites you to explore its pages, which accents the city over the century. The small details of baguettes, cut out people from different eras, the black habit nuns, all nod at life as it was and is, in this vibrant place. This book would make a great gift for any child wanting to explore their imagination, or for an adult with a love of beautiful things.